The Theology of Frugality: Rediscovering God's Economic Practices is an essential one for people who are practicing prodigality (excessively spending money lavishly) and for fame due to societal pressures that lead to financial struggles. Despite modest incomes like Singareni Collieries Company Limited miners, Ramakrishnapur in the Mancherial District, Telangana State, India, globally many often overspend, causing further financial instability, domestic discord, and even health issues, ultimately resulting in desperation and suicides. Therefore, the book advocates for a paradigm shift from prodigal practices to frugality. Through detailed case studies and various sources, the book highlights the root causes and invites readers to contemplate a different way of life by rediscovering God's economic practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity, urging for a reevaluation of the theological relationship with material wealth, and advocating for a more sustainable life. The book also encourages readers to rethink their approach to wealth and prioritize community, moderation, and sustainability in their lives in a globalised world, offering insights into theological principles that advocate for a just society and a sustainable future.
Gnanak Gerhardson Munnangi is an ordained minister of the Church of South India, Diocese of Medak (CSI-MD) who hails from Telangana State, India. Currently, he teaches at Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad as an assistant professor of the Department of Theology and Ethics. He has to his credit of few articles and devotionals published - ""Mission in a Digital World"" in Sundays with CWM: Rising UP and Journeying Together (Singapore: Council for World Mission Ltd., 2023); ""Right to Food: Respect, Protect and Fulfill"" in International Year of Pluses: Time for Creation 2016 (Bangalore: SCMI, 2016).
The book Theology of Frugality: Rediscovering God's Economic Practices is a meticulous scholarly Master of Theology research work done by the author Gnanak Gerhardson Munnangi. This book gives information on the origin and development of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Ramakrishnapur (RKP), in Macherial District, Telangana State (TS) and provides a brief history of its development. The author quoted reliable historical references. This book discusses the plight of the first generation of coal miners, and the methods of the mining they use for a clear understanding of various departments developing SCCL.
The book examines what facilities and support extended to the coal miners by management and how management helped their economic development. The author discussed in detail the lifestyle of the coal miners in SCCL. It is appreciable that the author analyzed the contributions of SCCL towards the progress of Nations. Social welfare schemes of SCCL are discussed.
As I understand the central theme to the author's endeavour is a focused exploration of the prodigality as the practical realities faced by coal miners, particularly in RKP, TS. Through immersive fieldwork and firsthand interactions with miners of different professions and different religions, the author aptly uncovers the nuances of their lifestyle and prodigal practices. This insightful exploration encompasses a thorough analysis of familial and communal influences on miners' behaviors. I hope this book blesses everyone who reads it.
Finally, this book is indeed an important contribution of the author to bring out the proposition of the ""theology of frugality"" as a guiding philosophy for life. Through a systematic examination of frugality's essence and theological underpinnings, the author proposes rediscovering God's economic practices, including theologies of simple living, sharing, and survival, supported by biblical references. Then he systematically attempts to develop the theology of frugality as the theology of life, by presenting some models, such as the theology of simple living, the theology of sharing, and the theology of survival.
Having had the privilege of perusing this material before publication, I am convinced of its potential to benefit a wide audience.
Rev. Gnanak Gerhardson Munnangi is a young and dynamic theologian who has been teaching at Andhra Christian Theological College since 2021 in the Department of Theology and this book demonstrates a keen scholarly expertise. I believe strongly that this book will help theological teachers, trainers, pastors, and church members. Therefore, I wish you all the best in the success of this publication and hope that the author brings out many more theological contributions in future.
The book Theology of Frugality: Rediscovering God's Economic Practices is the study in the backdrop of a world engulfed in unsustainable economic practices; where prodigal practices reign supreme and material wealth is often mistaken for happiness, lies a poignant reality: the plight of coal miners in the heart of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Ramakrishnapur (RKP), in Macherial District, Telangana State (TS). Their lives exemplify the consequences of a prodigal lifestyle one marred by excessive spending, mounting debts, and the erosion of familial bonds.
Within the confines of SCCL, where coal miners' salaries are meagre and livelihoods precarious, the allure of prodigal practices takes its toll. Coal miners, despite their modest earnings, find themselves trapped in a cycle of lavish spending, spurred on by societal pressures and media influences. The consequences are dire, with financial woes, domestic discord, and even health issues plaguing their existence, which in turn drives them and their families to desperation and ultimately suicide.
For example: Imitating the consumer practices of others like buying automobiles (branded cars and bikes), gold ornaments, gadgets (mobile phones, tabs, and laptops), and fanciful and expensive garments. When they don't have money for it; influenced by their rich neighbour and advisements in mass media which leads to consumer-fetishism.
SCCL, the present study is undertaken as one of the largest public sector undertakings in India. A typical, unskilled coal miner in the SCCL gets wages of the order of Rs. 6,000-7,000 a month. This, however, is not an assured wage in the sense that wages for such coal miners are dependent on their actual outturn of work or productivity. Lush worldly pleasures are prevailing among the coal miners and their capacity to earn starts dwindling gradually as their living status starts failing.
In response to this pressing issue, this book embarks on a journey towards a paradigm shift a shift from prodigal practices to frugality. Here, the concept of frugality isn't merely about penny-pinching; it's about embracing a theology of life that prioritizes mindful consumption, prudent financial management, and the preservation of familial and community ties.
Central to this exploration prodigal, characterised by excessive and wasteful expenditure, stands juxtaposed to the ethos of frugality a philosophy rooted in self-control, moderation, and resourcefulness.
Through in-depth case studies of coal miners within the SCCL premises, this book elaborates on unravelling the intricacies of their economic choices and community dynamics. Drawing from a diverse array of theological and non-theological sources, including books, journals, and internet resources, it aims to shed light on the underlying causes of prodigal behaviour and propose theological solutions for a path towards sustainable living.
Previous research has touched upon related themes by a few scholars and theologians, such as Theology of Economics in the Globalized World: Indian Approach by Parapally Jacob and Antony Kalliath, and Globalization and Women's Subsistence Labour: A Third World Theological Response by W. S. Annie. All this does not count. Apart from those this book represents a focused effort to address the specific challenges faced by coal miners in RKP, TS. It acknowledges the limitations of its scope recognizing that broader societal changes will be necessary to fully address the issue at hand.
In essence, this book invites readers to contemplate a different way of life in rediscovering God's economic practices - Firstly, one guided by frugality, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity.
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